Serial shoplifting suspect can’t run from NJ cops with booze in his pants (WATCH)

SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Police trying to capture a man suspected of shoplifting from a liquor store on more than one occasion said they were helped by the fact that the suspect was hiding bottles of his gains in his pants.

Dennis Jackson, 54, of Trenton, was arrested Friday afternoon when police received a report of a man attempting to steal from the Viking Liquors on Route 1. The caller told police it was the same man who had stolen from them a week earlier. According to police, Jackson had stolen from the store on three occasions, taking more than $1,000 worth of alcohol in the three trips.

Police say he has been linked to similar cases in East Windsor and Hamilton.

On Friday, Jackson attempted to flee the store when police were called but nearby units were able to locate him in the shopping center, they said. An officer was able to arrest him after a short foot pursuit when the alcohol was found in his pants.

Chief Ray Hayducka said officers arrived less than a minute after the call came in.